That’s Entertainment

I think we all have seen a variation on this theme in newspapers, magazines [at least the ones that are still able to publish], as well as online media, for quite some time now—especially since 2008. I saw an article recently that elaborated on this theme as it applies to the simple experience of going to see a movie.

The article, which appeared in the Toledo Blade,[1] focused on the high cost of attending a movie in the theater. It chronicled the attempts of theaters to be mindful of the financial constraints of many of their patrons, while attempting to stay afloat themselves. At the particular theater complex highlighted in the article, a father and son attended a matinee. The tickets cost them $14.50, which was 25 cents less per ticket than it had been before the complex lowered its prices. But the concessions they bought totaled $12. For others interviewed in the story, the concession costs exceeded the cost of the tickets. Concessions are the way the theaters stay in business; the article chronicles how necessary they are to the bottom line for theater owners.

I enjoy a movie at a theater, and particularly at our well-run theaters here in Danville and Pittsylvania County. The atmosphere is family-friendly and they are managed well. It’s a treat for my husband and me to go out, do a little shopping, and then head to a movie we have been anticipating. We enjoy seeing the movie and running into people we know.

But how about those times when the dollar isn’t stretching as far as we would like? Or the times when we can’t seem to get ourselves out of the house in time to see a film? The library’s collection of DVDs becomes a great alternative.

One of our vendors of DVDs has pointed this out in their News and Views blog:

So what should moviegoers do when they can’t afford a night out at the Cineplex? Turn to their local library! Patrons can check out new DVD releases or sequels and prequels for flicks coming soon to theaters; then make a quick stop at the grocery store to stock up on snacks.

… a peaceful night at home watching a free DVD from the local library, eating some snacks from the grocery, and ultimately saving money seems like an OK tradeoff to me. [2]

Another great thing about the library’s collection is that we buy seasons of television shows. When we finally started watching Mad Men, it was great to be able to see the season without commercial interruption, in sequence from beginning to end, at our own pace.

So, come and see what we have to offer in the way of DVDs. Free rental—but sorry–you’ll have to provide the snacks.